A VINTAGE van from Southend has made it all the way across America, from New York to Seattle, to raise money for charity.

The Model T Ford, called the Crusty Loaf, was lovingly restored by Mick Kemp, 79, and his son, also Mick Kemp, 52, ready for the 2,851-mile trip.

They joined co-drivers Austin Bromley and Peter McAlister to take it in turns to drive the 1925 van from the east to west coasts.

The month-long adventure ended last week at the University of Seattle.

The Kemps, who spent three years preparing the van, were raising funds for the Lady McAdden Breast Unit’s Go for Bust Digital Imaging Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 for a digital mammography machine.

Mr Kemp Jnr, of School Road, Downham, near Billericay, said before he set off: “The trip alone will cost us up to £15,000, but every penny we raise will go to Lady McAdden.

“The sky’s the limit with what we could raise – £50,000 would be a nice target.”

The amount raised is being counted and you can still sponsor them by e-mailing Linda.Harrison@ladymcadden.org